Bingo Online
Bingo Online - The Best Games to Play
Virtual bingo has become one of the most popular forms of modern gambling. Because of this, the game has evolved and grown into something quite elaborate, so it can be helpful for newcomers to take a look at an informative guide before diving in.
In this article, we’ll explore:
✔️ the rules and terminology of online bingo rooms, how they relate to conventional casinos;
✔️ the odds for UK players;
✔️ how to choose a provider that suits you;
✔️ how to give yourself the best chances;
✔️ and more.
Table of contents
🎰 Steps to Playing Bingo UK Online
💪 Our Criteria for Ranking Online Bingo Sites
🧩 Popularity of the Bingo Online
❕ Bets Odds of Winning at Bingo
🎰 Top Tips for Playing Online Bingo
How to Play Bingo UK Online Step by Step
Online bingo is a fun game of chance in which players aim to fill a card or ticket by marking off numbers. The numbers are randomly drawn and announced by a bingo caller online. As they are called one by one, players ‘dab’ any corresponding numbers which are on their card(s) until they have completed a line, a pattern, or a ‘full house.’
It’s important to understand the game before beginning, so this section will provide an overview of the basics. Our experts recommend that you:
- Choose an online bingo casino. Ensure that it’s trustworthy and regulated. Check also that it offers the type of bingo you’re interested in (see below for an explanation of these). You’ll often find bingo on the ‘speciality’ page.
- Register & make a payment. Hit ‘sign up’ or ‘register’ and enter your details. You’ll probably need to verify your ID. Next, attach a payment method and pay some cash into your account.
- Select the game and number of cards. Navigate to the game page and select the number of cards you’d like. Some sites allow you to buy up to 100 at a time.
- Watch your cards. Unlike in physical bingo, you won’t have to keep a very close eye on your cards or on the randomly-drawn balls, as the software will do the dabbing for you. Watching, however, will tell you how close you are to a win!
- Collect your winnings. If you score a line or a full house, the game will pay out. You can either withdraw or enjoy another round!
Glossary of Online Bingo Terms
As it has grown in popularity, fans of bingo casinos online have developed a system of terminology that is used in chats and, in some cases, when discussing physical bingo too. For newcomers, it’s important to have a general understanding of the main phrases and their meanings.
Common Bingo Terms
Here’s a simple overview of terminology commonly heard when engaging in online bingo gambling.
| Terms | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 75 ball / 90 ball | These are different variations of the game. Different bingo cards online have different numbers of spaces, which correspond to the number of balls. 75 ball bingo is played on a 5×5 grid, and 90 ball bingo is played on a 9×3 grid. |
| Board | This displays the numbers which have been called. |
| Lobby | This page shows all the available game options. |
| CH | ‘Chat Host’. This is the person who moderates the chat room. |
| Chat name | This is the handle others will see beside your messages. |
| Chat game | These are separate bingo rounds played within the chat itself. |
| Dabber | This is a special marker pen, which you don’t need when using top bingo sites online. |
| Eyes down | The caller announces “eyes down” when a game begins. |
| Early bird game | This is generally the first game of the day, with a smaller crowd. |
| Flimsies | This term means tickets and is a reference to the paper used in the physical version of the game. |
| Free space | The center square is on a 5×5 card. |
| Full house | When all numbers on a ticket have been marked, this is a ‘full house’. It generally wins the biggest prize. |
| Lights out | The last game of the night. |
| On | You’re ‘on’ when you are just one number away from winning. |
| Postage stamp | A set of four numbers arranged in a square in the corner of your ticket is known as a ‘postage stamp.’ |
| Progressive jackpot | Like in many other types of betting, this game can have progressive jackpots, which accumulate and grow as more tickets are sold. |
| Roomies | These are the fellow fans playing alongside you. |
Bingo Chat Acronyms
| ABC | Acronyms | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| # | 1TG | 1 to go |
| A | AFK | away from keyboard |
| AKA | also known as | |
| ASAP | as soon as possible | |
| B | BBL | be back later |
| BBL8R | be back later | |
| BBS | be back soon | |
| BF | boyfriend | |
| BIAM | back in a minute | |
| BLNT | better luck next time | |
| BRB | be right back | |
| BTW | by the way | |
| C | CU | see you |
| CYA | see ya! | |
| CYAL8R | see ya later | |
| F | FAIK | far as I know |
| FAQ | frequently asked question | |
| FFH | for full house | |
| FH | full house | |
| FYI | for your information | |
| G | GF | girlfriend |
| GG | good going or good game | |
| GL | good luck | |
| GLA | good luck all | |
| GLAC | good luck all close | |
| GLE | good luck everyone | |
| GM | good morning | |
| GMTA | great minds think alike | |
| GN | good night | |
| GTSY | good to see you | |
| H | HAGD | have a good day |
| HAGE | have a good evening | |
| HB | hurry back | |
| HHIS | hanging head in shame | |
| I | IC | I see |
| ICYMI | in case you missed it | |
| IMHO | in my honest opinion | |
| IMO | in my opinion | |
| IRL | in real life | |
| IYKWIM | if you know what I mean | |
| J | JK | just kidding |
| JMO | just my opinion | |
| JTLYK | just to let you know | |
| K | KIT | keep in touch |
| KOTC | kiss on the cheek | |
| KOTL | kiss on the lips | |
| L | L8R | later |
| LMAO | laughing my ass off | |
| LOL | laughing out loud | |
| LTNS | long time no see | |
| LY | love you | |
| N | NP | no problem |
| NT | nearly there | |
| NW | no worries | |
| O | OAR | on a roll |
| OIC | oh, I see | |
| OMG | oh my goodness | |
| OTOH | on the other hand | |
| P | PLZ | please |
| PMSL | peed myself laughing | |
| PPL | people | |
| Q | QD | quick draw |
| QT | cutie | |
| R | ROFL | rolling on the floor laughing |
| S | SO | significant other |
| SOHF | sense of humour failure | |
| SRY | sorry | |
| SWL | screaming with laughter | |
| SYS | see you soon | |
| T | TC | take care |
| TOY | thinking of you | |
| TPTB | the powers that be | |
| TTFN | ta ta for now | |
| TTYL | talk to you later | |
| TX | thanks | |
| TY | thank you | |
| TYVM | thank you very much | |
| U | U2 | you too |
| UL | unlucky | |
| W | WB | welcome back |
| WD | well done | |
| WDW | well done winner | |
| WTG | way to go | |
| WTH | what the heck | |
| WYSIWYG | what you see is what you get | |
| Y | YAW | you’re a winner |
| YSR | yeah, sure… right! | |
| YW | you’re welcome |
Most Popular Bingo Online Games
As briefly mentioned above, there are several popular variations of the game, each with its own sets of rules, advantages and disadvantages. In order for you to decide which best suits you, it’s important to have a general understanding of what each entails. Here’s an overview of the 5 most popular types:
- 90-ball bingo. This is the classic type, with 90 balls and a 9×3 grid. There will generally be 3 main prizes in a 90-ball game, one for the full house and two for complete lines. The first line can be any horizontal line on the card. The second prize is awarded for any two complete lines. The full house is a total of 15 numbers.
- 75-ball bingo. This functions in a similar way to the 90-ball type but is played on a 5×5 grid, with a single blank space in the centre (which counts as already called), making for a total of 24 numbers. There are more winning combinations in a 75-ball game, including vertical, diagonal and horizontal lines, a full house, and certain patterns such as crosses and diamonds.
- 80-ball bingo. This is the newest online bingo type and is played on a 4×4 grid with a total of 16 numbers. Both lines and patterns can mean prizes, much like in the 75-ball variation. It comes in different types, which can vary from one game to the next.
- Speed bingo. This is essentially what it sounds like – smaller grids and fewer balls for quicker rounds. This is ideal for those who don’t have a great deal of time and is often called 30-ball for this reason.
- Jackpot bingo. This is a type of online gambling bingo that places emphasis on the main prize, often involving a progressive jackpot which grows when more of your ‘roomies’ join in and buy tickets.
How We Rate Online Bingo Sites
When we’re selecting the best sites, we use a number of specific selection criteria to ensure that only the best of the best get our prestigious recommendation. Here are the main things we suggest you consider when choosing a great site for a game of bingo.
- Reliability. One of the most important things to consider when selecting an online bingo website is its reliability. It’s crucial that, for a UK player to enjoy a gaming session, they feel safe and secure, in terms of both their funds and their personal information.
- Licensing and regulation. The UKGC is the government-appointed body responsible for assessing gaming websites and granting them licences. We would only ever recommend sites that are secure and licensed.
- Bingo bonuses. Online bingo offers can go a long way towards making one site more attractive than the other. We prioritise those which offer the best promos. We’re especially big fans of online bingo no deposit bonuses!
- Game variety. There are several different types of games, and even if you already have a favourite, you may want to mix it up at some point. For this reason, we recommend choosing a site that offers several different types of bingo.
- Payment options. The best sites support e-wallets, prepaid cards, vouchers and debit cards, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses.
- Customer service. The quality of customer service is vital. Sometimes things don’t go to plan, and you want to be sure that you can get help from a proper human whenever you need it, via typed chat or a phone call.
- Wagering requirements. An online bingo bonus no deposit might seem too good to be true. However, the only requirement is that you wager your winnings a number of times before withdrawing. The lower the wagering requirements, the better.
Recommendations for Finding Online Bingo Best Sites
Here are a few extra tips on how to choose the right site for you:
- Look at a trustworthy bingo online review. The opinions of those who have hands-on experience with a site are valuable.
- Prioritise bonuses and promotions. These are one of the main things that sites use to make themselves stand out. Some are for new customers, and some are for existing ones, but all are good!
- Test them out. Many sites will allow you to try for free before registering, so you can get an idea of whether the site suits you.
- Don’t choose the first site you find – it’s worth shopping around a bit for one which suits your playstyle.
- Choose our recommended options! This is the easiest way to choose a place to play bingo for money online without having to do a ton of research. Our experts hand-pick sites based on the criteria outlined above, so take a look at our reviews!
Popularity of the Bingo Online Free Game in the UK
Regarding online bingo UK people have fallen head over heels in love with it, with more digital versions of the game occurring than physical ones, despite the latter remaining popular. Free rounds of bingo are also, perhaps unsurprisingly, very popular.
Most bingo sites online offer some version of the game that you don’t have to pay for, whether that means just playing for the fun of it or making use of a great free game promotion with wagering requirements.
Another contributing factor is the rise of mobile technologies, which have made gaming on the go easier than ever. Most sites now have an online bingo app that enables people to enjoy a quick card of bingo, or maybe spin a few slots, or place a few sportsbook bets, all from their phone.
Free Bingo Online Legislation in the UK
Betting is perfectly legal in the United Kingdom, but the law requires all betting sites to obtain licences from the UKGC, and those which offer bingo to customers are no exception. These licences may include a general operating as well as a remote licence.
In order to be granted their licences, sites must meet certain criteria to ensure that customers are treated fairly, their privacy is protected, and there are systems in place that enable them to gamble responsibly.
The UKGC works hard to protect consumers, and they go to great lengths to ensure that betting in Britain remains legal and unassociated with any form of criminal behaviour. Our experts only recommend sites that are licensed and approved by the UKGC, so you can be sure that, by choosing a site approved by us, you’re in safe hands and on the right side of the law!
What Are the Odds of Winning at Bingo?
As with all betting, if you continue to bet again and again, you are statistically likely to lose funds over time because the house always has some sort of edge. It’s important that we all gamble responsibly, but there are a few ways to improve your chances.
For example, buying more cards for one particular game will improve your chances of winning, but you need to factor in the multiple prizes, which most types of the online bingo promotion. Simply put, if 20 cards are sold for a game, and you bought 4 of them, then your chances of winning are 4 in 20 (or 1 in 5). You can increase your odds by buying more cards, but this approach can become costly!
As each number is called, the odds shift and change, with each one making it increasingly more likely that one of the cards will feature a completed line, pattern or full house.
Online Bingo Free Winning Strategy
There is no single online bingo strategy that can make winning a guarantee, but our expert analysts recommend the following:
- Enter a smaller game. This may require arranging your schedule so that you can start playing when there are fewer people online. The lesser number of dabbed cards increases your chances of winning!
- Buy more cards. This is another way to ensure you have a good chance of beating your roomies. The more cards you have (some places will let you have 100 at a time), the better your chances.
- Familiarise yourself with the rules. Different variations have different sets of rules and different winning combinations. You’ll want to be certain that you understand all the rules of the particular variation you’re playing before handing over your hard-earned cash!
- The Granville strategy. This method uses statistical principles which are used on Wall Street to maximise your chances. It suggests checking your card for positive signs, such as an even distribution of high and low numbers and an even distribution of odds and evens.
- The Tippett strategy. This involves prioritising cards with numbers closer to 1 or 75 in a shorter game and those with numbers closer to 38 for longer variations of the game.
- Chat! Bingo is a super sociable game, and the chat window is often very active. The chats are generally moderated and friendly, so it can be really helpful to engage with your fellow roomies, and they might just be able to offer you a few hints and tips!
Top Tips for Playing the Best Online Bingo
In addition to employing some of the above strategies, our specialists suggest that you:
- Ensure the casino is fair. Generally, if it’s licensed by the UKGC, it’ll be fair, but it doesn’t hurt to compare the odds of individual versions on different sites.
- Budget responsibly. If you’re not winning, we wouldn’t recommend you continue to fund your account. Be sensible, set yourself a strict budget, and only spend what you can afford to lose.
- Use ‘auto dab’. You may have to turn this feature on yourself, but it’ll keep track of all your cards and ensure that you never miss a number.
- Sample different variations. It may be that 90-ball bingo isn’t for you. Maybe you do much better at 75-ball or even 30-ball. Try a few options.
- Have fun with it! This is crucial no matter what you’re playing. If you’re not enjoying yourself, take a break.
Bingo Payment and Withdrawal Methods
You’ll find that some bingo sites offer more variety and freedom of choice than others when it comes to banking methods. Generally, however, you can expect e-wallet options (such as Skrill or PayPal), debit card payments, direct bank account transfers, prepaid cards and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Each of these comes with its own pros and cons regarding security, speed, convenience and fees. Explore the options and see which best suits you. It’s very important that, before registering with a site, you check that they support your preferred payment method for both deposits and withdrawals. Also, consider maximum and minimum limits, as some sites will only allow you to withdraw above a particular amount, and look for any time-related restrictions that apply to your limits.
A nasty surprise can come in the form of fees, through which a site may take a small cut of your winnings when you withdraw. This amount can vary depending on your chosen payment methods, so keep an eye out for these and check that they’re reasonable before making any deposits. It’s worth noting that some sites offer free deposits and withdrawals, so you may wish to prioritise these.
Play Bingo Online From Your Mobile
It’s pretty much a standard these days that sites facilitate some sort of bingo online mobile game options, whether that’s through a specially designed and dedicated app or a mobile-friendly browser version of their site.
Playing on the go is great fun, and it means that you can fit in a few quick cards of bingo (and maybe a few spins on your favourite slot) whilst you’re on the bus, in a queue, or on your break at work.
Bingo works particularly well on portable devices, as it doesn’t generally rely on any advanced or flashy graphics, but you may still find an app preferable to an in-browser version. Apps tend to run better and with fewer glitches than in-browser options, which can be a little unresponsive at times.
The best mobile offerings are also seamlessly connected to your desktop account, so you can move from your computer to your phone with no hiccups. Those companies which are best for mobile users will likely have an app that can be found on the Google or Apple App stores. The availability of an app – and its compatibility with your phone – may be something you wish to use to inform your decision regarding which site to register with.
The sites recommended by our experts are chosen for their mobile performance as well as desktop, so you can be sure that – by choosing one of the options we endorse – you’re likely to be in for a fluid and reliable mobile experience.
Online Bingo Bonus
There are a few different types of promotions that you’ll want to make yourself aware of. These bonuses – especially a great online bingo sign up bonus – can really help! Let’s explore the main types of bonuses in a little more detail:
| Online Bingo Bonuses | Description |
|---|---|
| Deposit bonuses | This is where the site matches the money you pay up to a certain amount. For example, a site may offer 100% bonuses up to £20, in which case they’ll boost your £20 payment to the total value of £40. These can be highly profitable and are generally offered to entice new customers. |
| No-deposit bonuses | These are the safest, as you don’t have to actually pay any cash into your account! The site grants you a number of funds or bingo cards to use, and you keep the winnings once you’ve met any wagering requirements. |
| Free spins | Free spins apply to slot games, which are another staple of these sites. Sometimes they’ll be used as an additional incentive or to sweeten a deal. |
| Spin the wheel | This is basically a system which randomly selects a type of promotion for you. You may come out as a winner, or you may lose out. These aren’t especially common, but keep an eye out for them. |
| Beginner rooms | Beginner rooms are great for those who are new to bingo. It allows them to get started for free in a room where players are all just getting the hang of things. You’re generally given a period of time for which you can enjoy the game without spending cash. |
| On-going promotions | These are designed to keep existing customers coming back. Cashback deals would be an example, which awards players a certain percentage of their losses back on a regular basis. Other types include reload bonuses, weekly free spin giveaways, and prize draws. |
Are Online Bingo New Sites Safe and Secure?
In short, yes, they’re generally safe! However, it’s important, especially with new sites, to check that they’re registered with the UKGC. New bingo sites pop up fairly often, and many of them will look quite similar to others in terms of layout, design and format.
This is often because the new site is, in fact, a relaunch of an older site, but this generally means more promotions, bonuses and freebies to entice new players! The arrival of more and more bingo sites is actually great news for players. The additional competition encourages better promos and an improved experience overall.
To clarify, when you spot a new and unfamiliar bingo site, the best thing to do is to first check that it’s licensed and approved and then to check out its bonuses. It will likely be worth joining a number of different sites and taking advantage of some of the available offers!
FAQs
How Do I Get Started?
If bingo sounds like it might be for you, then the first step is to identify and register with a site that hosts a good variety of bingo variations and which meets your personal needs. We’d suggest reading the above article fully before getting started.
How Does Winning At Bingo Work?
In order to walk away with a prize, the numbers which are being drawn must correspond to those on the card you have. When they form a line or make a pattern, or when every square is covered, you’ve won a prize! There are several different variations of the game, and each has slightly different rules regarding what arrangement of ‘dabs’ wins a prize, so be sure to read these before getting stuck in!
Which Is the Best Site For Bingo?
There’s no single correct answer to this. Consider your own personal requirements, and allow these to inform your decision. It may also be helpful to consider a review or two.
Can I Cheat at Bingo?
Historically, some people have tried to cheat at bingo by counterfeiting tickets and manipulating the ball draw, but obviously, this doesn’t work with virtual bingo, which employs a random number generator. Realistically, you’re not going to be able to cheat, so we suggest you don’t try!
Can I Participate in Online Bingo With My Friends?
Yes, many players enjoy online bingo with friends! Bingo has long been considered a sociable activity, and the physical version is played in huge halls, sometimes with hundreds of ‘roomies.’ The digital version is similar and generally features a chat room where you can make new friends and interact with existing ones.
How Do I Play Bingo Online for Real Money?
Online bingo real money gaming is the most popular way to do it! While it's possible to find free versions, for the vast majority who play bingo online, real money is everything! This means spending money on a ticket before the first ball is drawn.
Is Winning Real Cash at Bingo Possible?
Playing online bingo for cash is perfectly possible, and sometimes winnings can be substantial. Large rounds with many participants and accumulative jackpots can hit huge numbers, so yes, winning real cash is possible!
Is There a Trick to Winning at Bingo?
There’s no single trick that will give you the edge, but there are strategies you can use to improve your chances, and there are certain things that you should do which are just good practice, such as keeping a close eye on your cards or using ‘auto-dab’. See above for more on this.
How Do I Use My Free Spins?
If you’ve qualified for a free spins bonus as part of a bingo promotion, check out their terms and conditions to see which slots they are eligible for use on and what their value is. Next, head over to the slot game’s page and check that the free spins are showing up. With the free spins selected, click ‘spin’ and cross your fingers! Be aware that any winnings will likely be subject to wagering requirements.
How Do I Pay Into My Account for Playing Bingo?
Head over to your banking or profile page and look for a link relating to deposits. Follow the link and any instructions it gives you. Validate your payment method, enter the amount you’d like to pay in and make the payment. It can sometimes take a bit of time - anything from a couple of minutes to a number of hours - so be patient!
Are All Bingo Sites Fair and Safe?
Providing that the site you registered at is approved and licensed by the UKGC, the bingo will not be fixed. It uses random number generators to call balls, so one ticket stands just the same chance as the next. If you want to know how to calculate your odds easily and precisely, take a look at the article above!
Are There any Bingo Sites Which Don’t Require Deposits?
Yes, there are some sites which will give you a free ticket or funds to spend on bingo. Enjoying no deposit bingo online is great fun and super low-risk, but any winnings generated by these will typically be subject to wagering requirements. There are also versions which are totally free and which don’t pay out cash prizes but are perfect for those who want to get some experience by practising before spending real cash.
Can I Use Paypal to Fund a Bingo Account?
Some sites allow PayPal bingo online deposits, but not all. This e-wallet is popular amongst players for its transfer speed, which enables very quick deposits and withdrawals. It’s also one of the original e-wallets, so many people already have it, adding to its convenience. Before registering with a particular site, you should check that it supports your chosen payment methods.
What are the Odds Like With Bingo?
Unlike slots and many other staples of betting sites, the odds of scoring wins at bingo relate to the number of people you’re playing against. These are known as ‘roomies,’ as they share the same bingo hall or chat room. The odds are simple to calculate. If you own 1 of 20 cards which were sold for a particular game, then your chance of winning the first prize is 20 to 1.
Is Bingo Legal in Britain?
Betting is generally legal in Britain so long as it’s approved by the UKGC. The UKGC will issue licences to sites which they confirm to be offering fair odds and which support reliable, secure banking methods.
